San Francisco Giants still have interest in re-signing Brian Wilson

San Francisco Giants' closer Brian Wilson (38) comes in during the ninth inning against the Oakland Athletics on Monday, April 2, 2012, at AT&T Park in San Francisco, Calif. (Susan Tripp Pollard/Staff)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Giants intend to keep the door open for a closer who so often shut it on opposing teams.

Vice president of baseball operations Bobby Evans said Wednesday that the Giants will continue to monitor Brian Wilson's first foray into free agency, and remain open to bringing the rehabbing closer back. Wilson, non-tendered last week, is recovering from his second Tommy John surgery and surveying a market that is thin on quality relief pitching.

The Giants are set at the back end of the bullpen, with Sergio Romo scheduled to close and get the occasional breather from Jeremy Affeldt, Javier Lopez and Santiago Casilla.

"It's hard to argue with what got us through the 2012 season," Evans said. "But we'll still stay in touch with Wilson's agent in case there's the opportunity to bring him back."

Wilson made just two appearances last season before going under the knife. He began light throwing in October, and Yahoo! Sports reported Wednesday that Dr. James Andrews has told Wilson he will be cleared for spring training and ready for opening day.

The Giants aren't as sure, and Evans said the focus with Wilson would be on what he could provide during the season's stretch run, not the first few months. But, Evans added, "Wilson knows his body best. ... (Opening day) is a great goal, and I wouldn't put it past Brian to reach that."

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Wilson was unhappy with the nature of contract negotiations with the Giants before being non-tendered, but the front office has kept in touch with agent Dan Lozano and hopes to take one last shot at Wilson before he makes a final decision.

Wilson, who wants to remain a closer, would seem to be the one player who could scuttle the current plan to just add right-handed depth in middle relief. Evans said the Giants are looking for arms that could vie to be the 11th or 12th pitcher on the staff. Guillermo Mota is unlikely to be considered, ending a three-year run with the Giants.

Asked about re-signing Affeldt, Angel Pagan and Marco Scutaro, the top offseason priorities, Evans said manager Bruce Bochy and general manager Brian Sabean are very satisfied. "We feel good," he said, "and don't take it for granted."

In addition to adding a right-handed reliever, the Giants would like to find a right-handed hitter to platoon with Gregor Blanco in left field.

Cody Ross is unlikely, because the Giants are looking to find a player willing to take a one-year deal and Ross is seeking a long-term commitment. Nick Swisher, another rumored option, was ruled out long ago. Swisher was part of a "big-ticket item" list that was considered unrealistic by Sabean, a group that also included outfielders Josh Hamilton, Michael Bourn and B.J. Upton.